Portable kitchen for preparing and storing foods or the like

ABSTRACT

A portable kitchen, which includes a case having at least one cover movable between closed and open positions, the closed position being for compact containment of contents therein, and the open position exposing the contents for use. A plurality of functional food preparation and storage devices are supported within the case, including: a refrigerator unit capable of containing and storing foods a conventional refrigerator storage temperatures; and a microwave power unit for microwave heating of foods; a cooking unit having cooking burners for heating cookware or the like for preparing heated foods. A power connecting device is provided for connecting an outside source of power to the food preparation and storage devices to provide functioning power to the devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a portable kitchen forpreparing and storing food products of the like, contemplated primarilyfor use in the field. The kitchen is contained within a portablesuitcase-type carry bag and includes power adapters which render thekitchen operable away from the home as well as in the home.

2. Description of the Prior Art

In the past attempts have been made to provide kitchen devices inportable units for purposes of availability and convenience, primarilyaway from home, but also for use within the home, when needed. Certainattempts included actual certain kitchen utilities such as burners forcooking and preparing hot foods and utensils used for preparing andserving the foods. Many of such attempts have included portablecontainers for supporting the storage of the functional items used forpreparing and serving the food.

One example of a portable kitchen is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,079,400 wherein a portable camp kitchen comprises a cooker unit with aburner and a container member adapted to contain the cooking unitintegrally with the latter. The cooker unit is mounted on a frame whichis in turn supported on rotatable support members. Another example of acamper style kitchen caddy is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,579,914 whichrelates to a camper kitchen caddy having a carrying case which includesvarious food preparation items mounted thereon. U.S. Pat. No. 5,257,509relates to a convertible briefcase, food and beverage carriage, andmini-cooler in which a container is convertible between a briefcase, afood and beverage carriage, and a mini-cooler. U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,817relates to a portable food holding device comprising a table sectionwith foldable legs and a cover attached thereto. U.S. Pat. No. 3,489,267relates to a cooking unit for campers and the like intended to enablethe use of various utensils in combination with other utensils andcompact packing of the whole. The combination of elements disclosedinclude at least one first utensil, a second utensil, and a thirdutensil, whereby the third utensil can serve as a cover for the firstutensil and so can a second utensil, and a second utensil can also serveas a cover for a third utensil, and the three can be put together withthe second utensil sandwiched between the first utensil and the thirdutensil. Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 3,171,700 relates to a bar cabinet of thetype having hinge means pivotally connecting two sections which form anenclosure for bar implements, bottles and the like.

While the prior art includes various attempts to provide kitchen-typedevices with portability, none relate to a device which provides thescope of function and utility to prepare and store foods withefficiency, away from the home, as well as within the home, and withvarious power adapter capabilities to provide the requisite heating andcooling functions for preparation and storage of foods. I have inventeda portable mini-kitchen which includes kitchen-type appliances generallyneeded for the preparation and storage of foods, with multiple energyadapters for use with various power sources within and away from thehome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a portable kitchen, which comprises acase having at least one cover movable between closed and openpositions, the closed position being for compact containment of contentstherein, and the open position exposing the contents for use. Aplurality of functional food preparation and storage devices aresupported within the case, including a refrigerator unit capable ofcontaining and storing foods at conventional refrigerator storagetemperatures, a microwave power unit for microwave heating of foods, anda cooking unit having cooking burners for heating cookware or the likefor preparing heated foods. The invention further comprises a powerconnecting device for connecting an outside source of power to the foodpreparation and storage devices to provide functioning power to thedevices.

The power connecting device is preferably at least one of a directcurrent (i.e., D.C.) connecting device and an alternating current (i.e.,A.C.) connecting device. The refrigerator unit is capable of maintainingfood items at conventional refrigeration temperatures, i.e., betweenabout 34° F. and about 46° F., and more particularly, between about 36°F. and about 40° F., when supplied with power.

The microwave power unit includes at least one pivotable access door forgaining access to a central food heating section, the access door havinga glass viewing panel which permits viewing of an internal microwavableheating section. The microwave power unit may also include at least twopivotable access doors for gaining access to a central food heatingsection, each said access door having a glass viewing panel.

The portable kitchen further comprises a toaster device supported by thecase for toasting food items. Further the refrigerator unit ispreferably positioned adjacent the microwave unit, each being insulatedfrom the other by a heat insulating wall. The microwave unit may bepositioned adjacent the cooking unit, each separated from the other by aheat insulating wall.

The portable kitchen further comprises a storage space and a pluralityof support shelves for supporting utensils, equipment, food or the like.Further, the power connecting device is preferably a power inverterhaving a power cord for connection to a direct current (i.e., D.C.)source. The power cord preferably includes a device for connection to acigarette/cigar lighter of a motorized unit.

The motorized unit may be an automobile, SUV, RV, mini-van, boat or thelike. Further, the power connecting device may also be a powerconnection device having a power cord adapted for connection to aconventional alternating current (i.e., A.C.) power source. Further, thepower cord may also include a connection device at one end for insertioninto an alternating current (i.e., A.C.) power source, such as astandard wall duplex outlet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top and right side perspective view of a portable kitchenfor preparing and storing foods or the like constructed according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a top and right side perspective view of the portable kitchenshown in FIG. 1 in the open condition, illustrating the functional foodpreparation and storage facilities, the device being ready for use inpreparing and/or storage of foods; and

FIG. 3 is a top and right side perspective view of the portable kitchenshown in FIG. 2 illustrating the incorporation and use of an alternativesource of power for food preparation and storage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially to FIG. 1 there is shown a portable kitchen 10 forpreparing and storage of foods or the like constructed according to thepresent invention. The portable kitchen 10 is contained within a carrycase 12 having a structure and functional arrangement similar to thestructure of a suitcase or briefcase, wherein a main case 14 has a cover16 pivotably attached thereto by hinge 18 as shown. Front cover 20 isalso pivotably attached by hinge 22 as shown in FIG. 1. The function andarrangement of each of these items will be more fully described inconnection with FIGS. 2 and 3.

Referring now to FIG. 2 there is illustrated the portable kitchen shownin FIG. 1 with the covers pivotably rotated to the operative position.In particular, the case 14 includes pivotable support tray 20 which maybe rotated 90° (degrees) downwardly about hinge 22 and supported on apair of vertical support members 24,26 placed on the ground, as shown.Support members 24,26 may be attached to the front surface of supportshelf 20 by threaded connections with female threaded collar members28,30, or otherwise be made to support tray 20. The top cover 16 isshown pivotably rotated upwardly approximately 90 degrees relative tothe main case 14 about hinge 18 so as to permit full display of thekitchen appliances and utensils as shown in the drawings, as well as anarray of storage units as shown.

Referring once again to FIG. 2, the main case 14 includes a microwaveunit 32 and refrigerator unit 34. The microwave unit is accessiblethrough vertical front door 36 or horizontal top door 38. Each door 36,38 of the microwave unit respectively includes a glass viewing panel 44,46 as shown. The refrigerator unit 34 is accessible by a vertical frontdoor 40 or alternatively by a horizontal top door 42.

A cooking unit 48 is provided adjacent and immediately to the right ofthe microwave unit 32, and separated by a wall 50 which is preferablyprovided with an insulating medium (not shown) to separate the cookingelement from the microwave unit. In addition, an insulating wall isprovided between the microwave unit 32 and the refrigerator unit 34, butis not shown.

Referring once again to the cooking unit 48, there are provided severalburners 52, 54 for heating cookware to prepare foods. In addition,toaster 56 for preparing toast or the like, is provided behind burner54.

As can be seen in the drawings, each of the powered units, including themicrowave 32, the refrigerator 34, the cookware unit 48, and the toasterunit 56 are powered by a connecting device in the form of an inverter 58which in turn is provided with a power source from a cigarette lighterof a motor vehicle by a power connection cord 60 as shown. Powerconnection cord 60 includes an appropriate jack 62 which may be insertedinto the cigarette/cigar lighter of a motor vehicle (not shown). Thepower inverter unit 58 is shown schematically in dash lines and may beone of various types available on the market which are usable withSUV's, RV's, mini-vans, automobiles, boats or the like. Power invertersavailable on the market are provided under the trademark Prosine WaveInverters. Power inverters such as Prosine Power and X Power Inverters1750 plus marketed by Xantrex are also contemplated. Alternative powerjacks and power sources are also contemplated, depending upon localavailability and designs.

As can be seen in FIG. 2, the power connector cord 60 which includescigarette lighter adapter 62 is connected to the power inverter andprovides the appropriate internal power source for the cookware unit,the microwave, the refrigerator and the toaster.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, an alternative source of power can beprovided by way of a bottled gas 64 which is shown in dash lines andwhich can alternatively be connected as a power source to the applianceunits in a known manner. In FIG. 2 there is also illustrated analternating current outlet adapter which is denoted “A.C. (i.e.,alternating current) outlet” which will be further described inconjunction with the embodiment shown in FIG. 3.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is disclosed a portable kitchen similarto the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, wherein most or all of the elementsand components are identically numbered to those of FIG. 2. Thedistinction between the embodiment of FIG. 2 and that of FIG. 3 is thatthe embodiment of FIG. 2 utilizes an A.C. adapter power cord 66 whichincludes an appropriate jack or connector 68 at one end for insertioninto the A.C. outlet opening in the portable kitchen case 14, and at theother end, an A.C. plug 70 adaptable for use in conjunction with aconventional wall mounted A.C. duplex unit 72 of the type generallyfound in homes, garages or the like. In use, where conventional powersources are available through an alternating current outlet 72 as shownin FIG. 3, the appropriate A.C. connecting wire is inserted into theA.C. outlet opening 68 of the portable kitchen after the connector cord60 (which is used in conjunction with a vehicle power source andinverter 58) is removed from the device. The appropriate internal powerconnections are incorporated for conversion either by a switch (switchnot shown) or by directing the power units directly to the appropriateconnections in each of the appliances. In all other respect theembodiment of the portable kitchen is the same as in the embodimentshown in FIG. 2.

Referring now once again to the portable kitchen shown in FIGS. 2 and 3,there is illustrated a pair of storage cabinets 74, 76 mounted on cover16, each storage cabinet respectively including a pivotable door 78, 80as shown for pivotable movement downwardly about respective hinge 79,81, to an open position whereby access to the storage cabinet isavailable. The storage cabinet also includes a shelf 82 for supportingfood, utensils or the like during and after food preparation. Anadditional storage unit or well-type opening 84 is included in the maincase 14 immediately behind the microwave unit 32 and refrigerator unit34.

As can be seen from the drawings, the suitcase type cover 16 can bepivotably rotated downwardly, while the shelf 20 can be pivotablyrotated upwardly so that they meet and join and are connected byappropriate locking mechanisms 86, 88, 90 and 92 as shown, to connectand return the suitcase to the closed compact condition shown in FIG. 1.

In operation the portable kitchen can be utilized to prepare and storefoods in locations away from home as well as within the home, ifrequired, through the usage of a power supply from an SUV, RV, mini-van,automobile, boat or the like, or thorough a conventional source of poweris shown in FIG. 3. The portable kitchen storage space 84, as well asthe cabinets 74, 76, can be utilized to include storage of utensils,pots, pans or the like when kitchen is not in use. Alternatively, thespace 84 can be used to store foods.

It can be seen that the portable kitchen of the present invention is aself-contained unit which can be made to store utensils, kitchenequipment or the like, and can be readily powered for use as a whole orfor use as a substitute of a full-size kitchen away from the home orwithin the home.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A portable kitchen, which comprises: a) a casehaving at least one cover movable between closed and open positions, theclosed position being for compact containment of a plurality offunctional food preparation and storage devices supported within saidcase and entirely hidden by the at least one cover when in the closedposition, and the open position being for exposing at least one of theplurality of functional food preparation and storage devices from thecompact containment and exposing the plurality of functional foodpreparation and storage devices for use: b) the plurality of functionalfood preparation and storage devices supported within said case,including: 1) a refrigerator unit for containing and storing foods, saidrefrigeration unit cooling and maintaining the foods at conventionalrefrigerator storage temperatures; and 2) a cooking unit having cookingburners for heating cookware and foods for preparation thereof; and c) apower connecting device connectable to an outside source of power tosaid food preparation and storage devices to provide functioning powerto said devices.
 20. The portable kitchen according to claim 19, whereinsaid power connecting device is at least one of a direct current (i.e.,D.C.) connecting device and an alternating current (i.e., A.C.)connecting device.
 21. The portable kitchen according to claim 20,wherein said refrigerator unit is capable of maintaining food items atbetween about 34° F. and about 46° F., when supplied with power.
 22. Theportable kitchen according to claim 21, further comprising a toasterdevice supported by said case for toasting food items.
 23. The portablekitchen according to claim 22, further comprising a storage space and aplurality of support shelves for supporting utensils, equipment, orfood.
 24. The portable kitchen according to claim 23, wherein said powerconnecting device is a power inverter having a power cord for connectionto a direct current (i.e., D.C.) source.
 25. The portable kitchenaccording to claim 24, wherein said power cord includes a device forconnection to a cigarette/cigar lighter of a motorized unit.
 26. Theportable kitchen according to claim 25, wherein said motorized unit isan automobile, SUV, RV, mini-van, or a boat.
 27. The portable kitchenaccording to claim 26, wherein said power connecting device is a powerconnection device having a power cord adapted for connection to aconventional alternating current (i.e., A.C.) power source.
 28. Theportable kitchen according to claim 27, wherein said power cord includesa connection device at one end for connection with an alternatingcurrent (i.e., A.C.) power source.
 29. The portable kitchen according toclaim 28, wherein said A.C. power source is a standard wall duplexoutlet.
 30. A portable kitchen, which comprises: a) a case having atleast a pair of covers pivotably movable between closed and openpositions, the closed positions of said covers being for compactcontainment of a plurality of functional food preparation and storagedevices supported within said case and entirely hidden by said coverswhen in the closed positions, and the open positions being for exposingthe plurality of functional food preparation and storage devices fromthe compact containment and exposing the plurality of functional foodpreparation and storage devices for use: b) the plurality of functionalfood preparation and storage devices supported within said case,including: 1) a refrigerator unit for containing and storing foods, saidrefrigeration unit cooling and maintaining the foods at conventionalrefrigerator storage temperatures; 2) a toaster device for toastingfoods; and 3) a cooking unit having cooking burners for heating cookwareand foods for preparation thereof; and c) a power connecting deviceconnectable to an outside source of power to said food preparation andstorage devices to provide functioning power to said devices.
 31. Aportable suitcase type kitchen, which comprises: a) a portable casehaving a carry handle and at least a pair of hinged covers pivotablymovable between closed and open positions, the closed positions of saidcovers being for compact containment of a plurality of functional foodpreparation and storage devices supported within said case and entirelyhidden by said covers when in the closed positions, and the openpositions being for exposing the plurality of functional foodpreparation and storage devices from the compact containment andexposing the plurality of functional food preparation and storagedevices for use: b) the plurality of functional food preparation andstorage devices supported within said case, including: 1) a refrigeratorunit for containing and storing foods, said refrigeration unit coolingand maintaining the foods at conventional refrigerator storagetemperatures; 2) a toaster device for toasting foods; and 3) a cookingunit having cooking burners for heating cookware and foods forpreparation thereof, said cooking unit positioned adjacent saidmicrowave unit and separated therefrom by an insulating wall; and c) apower connecting device connectable to an outside source of power tosaid food preparation and storage devices to provide functioning powerto said devices.